Intergalactic Summit

I feel it's important to note that the claim that CONCORD's weapons technology is more advanced than that of the generally-available, mass-produced models is only true when considering automated benchmarks. The comparisons between the CONCORD weapon systems and the advanced production models (Type II systems) do not take into account the proficiencies and training required to use the Type IIs.

Specifically, at a rating of approximately 60% qualification with Type II specialization training (a 20% rating is necessary to even get the weapons to function), the Type II systems outperform the CONCORD systems across the board. The performance improvements of even basic training in these systems is, however, not represented in their factory benchmarks, much as the basic benchmark listings for the CPU load of a Scimitar-class logistics cruiser do not include the improved processor performance garnered by the required 20% proficiency with the universal 'CPU Management' training.

That should in no way be taken as disparagement or disapproval of this project, however. Continued weapons development free of the interference of CONCORD or the Empires is likely to be increasingly necessary in order to maintain parity with both the pirate armadas and the potential danger from the Drifter/Tyrannos threat. We simply cannot afford to allow the misguided authoritarian control of entities like CONCORD and the DED to continue to hold back the advancement of engineering sciences. Nor are weapons applications the only field likely to benefit from more open research in capital-scale weaponry. An advance in large-diameter magnetic acceleration technology made in search of a better railgun might allow for more compact, durable, and economical high-speed transit and freight systems, for example.